African Pangolin Working Group

The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) was established in 2011 by a group of conservationists dedicated to saving pangolins and improving our knowledge of this ancient animal. We were one of the first four organisations in the world, dedicated to the conservation of this species.  We are continuously improving rehabilitation techniques, developing resources, and defining standard operating procedures for rehabilitation protocols, leading to an increased success rate in the release of pangolins retrieved from the illegal wildlife trade. Our rehabilitation efforts are conducted at our very own Pangolarium, where we aim to enhance the rescue, veterinary high care, rehabilitation and reintroduction of pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The APWG were the first South African non-profit to appear in court proceedings to provide testimony and evidence in aggravation of sentencing for pangolin poachers. In January 2017, following our testimony, a sentence of 7 years was handed down to a poacher, setting a landmark precedent for pangolin poaching in South Africa. The APWG was also involved in the first 10-year sentencing that occurred in the first half of 2021. We have collaborated with andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal region, with the Pangolin Reintroduction Programme. In a world-first, pangolins were reintroduced into an area where they have been ecologically extinct for 40 years. The programme has been so successful that new generations of Temminck's pangolin pups have been born wild in the area for the first time in decades. Our team are dedicated to sharing our expertise to contribute to pangolin conservation issues across Africa. This is achieved through our involvement in landscape-level strategies; collaboration with stakeholders for consolidating trans-boundary law enforcement, standardising legislation, creating educational material, and organising workshops for improving seizures, rehabilitation, and release techniques. We have started our own Junior Eco-Ranger Programme, which is a structured community- and school-based environmental education programme that targets Grade 6 - 8 learners from disadvantaged communities and aims to nurture environmental awareness, conservation ethics, leadership skills, and learner confidence. The initiative is designed to help learners develop sensitivity towards the environment, while empowering them to voice their opinions, conduct basic research, and actively participate in raising environmental awareness within their schools and communities. A strong focus is placed on building confidence, teamwork, and responsibility among participating learners. The AWPG is also responsible for the rehabilitation and release of Kulu, the Temminck's pangolin who was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in SA, featured in the Netflix film, Pangolin: Kulu's Journey.